A patrol sergeant with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is on leave as a criminal case against him makes its way through the Douglas County Circuit Court.
Matthew Wayne DeRosia, 47, of Superior is facing misdemeanor counts of domestic disorderly conduction and contact after a domestic abuse arrest. Charges were filed Jan. 6.
DeRosia reportedly came to the victim’s residence extremely drunk and began throwing items around, punching things and yelling at the victim, according to the complaint. While the victim was driving DeRosia to another location, he reportedly began swearing, calling the person names, banging on the steering wheel and punching the dashboard until the victim stopped the car and asked him to leave.
When Superior police officers contacted DeRosia, he admitted that he had been drinking, but offered no explanation of what had occurred. DeRosia was arrested and signed a 72-hour no-contact order.
Approximately 15 minutes later, while the victim was filling out paperwork with Superior Police Officer David Dalbec, DeRosia reportedly attempted to contact the victim from his cellphone. He also responded to a three-way text with the victim and another party asking for bail money.
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Douglas County Sheriff Tom Dalbec said DeRosia is on leave pending an internal investigation.
A $1,000 signature bond was ordered for DeRosia and he was ordered to have no violent or abusive contact with the victim, no contact with the person’s address, no alcohol and no use or possession of a dangerous weapon.
The disorderly conduct charge carries a maximum penalty of 90 days imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000; the contact after domestic abuse arrest charge is punishable by up to nine months of imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000. DeRosia’s next court appearance is set for May 5.
Ashland County District Attorney David Meany was appointed special prosecutor for the case. In March, Bayfield County Circuit Court Judge John Anderson was assigned to hear the case due to DeRosia’s employment with the sheriff’s office.
